By Lookout Staff

July 21, 2026 -- The road that provides access to the south side of the Pier parking lot will be closed next week as the City starts tearing down the 90-year-old Pier bridge, City officials announced Monday.

The closure of Appian Way will allow crews to safely demolish a portion of the bridge over the roadway as part of a $35.6 million two-year project to replace the existing bridge, officials said.

The closure from Monday, July 27, through Monday, August 3, "will be contained to the area just beneath the existing bridge, north of Seaside Terrace."

The Pier -- including all restaurants, shops, attractions, businesses and amenities -- will remain open during the closure with vehicle access to Parking Lot 1 North available from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Motorists can also park near the Pier at Beach Lot 4 South, Beach Lot 3 North and Parking Structure 8 at Santa Monica Place.

"Pedestrian access to the Pier and Ocean Front Walk will remain available throughout construction," officials said.

Clearly marked parking, pedestrian routes and wayfinding signage will guide visitors to the Pier, which can also be accessed using public transit, including the Metro Expo line and several Big Blue Bus routes.

Rideshare services will also be available with pick-up and drop-off locations near the Pier open during construction.

"Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detour, parking and pedestrian signage while traveling to and from the Pier during the temporary closure," City officials said.

Construction crews began preparing in December for the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, which included installing a temporary pedestrian bridge that opened on June 5 and a temporary vehicle access ramp in the Pier parking lot for emergency and delivery vehicles.

Demolition of the bridge, which connects Ocean and Colorado avenues to the Pier, will continue until August of next year, followed by construction of the new bridge scheduled to be completed in December, in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The new structure, which meets modern seismic and safety standards, will be wider than the existing bridge and will maintain one traffic lane in each direction, while expanding walkways and adding new lighting and railing.

The new 447-foot bridge will also be less steep than the current 500-foot long structure, making it safe for those on bicycles and in wheelchairs to cross, City officials said.

The iconic 85-year-old sign near the entrance to the Pier will be temporarily removed next month and carefully restored and preserved while the Pier Bridge undergoes construction, officials said.